When Charles Elliot, the Earl of Wiltshire and his cousin, Henry discover that Charles’ father was murdered, they decide to swap identities as they are near identical in appearance. Soon, they find themselves involved with sisters’ Lily and Jane, who are not who they initially believe them to be.
Not only were the romances between Jane and Henry as well as Lily and Charles interesting, so was the unraveling of the murder of Charles’s father. This was quite a surprise that had me engaged until the end.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a strong start to the Crimson Seasons series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed the overall feel of this world. The concept worked with the time-period and was engaged with the characters and what was happening to them. It left me excited to read more in this series and from Jana L Perkins.

A cute romance involving two couples, set for the most part in the autumn of 1816 in London.
A little mystery is sprinkled into the swapped identity story that also includes (forbidden) romance. The story is driven by alternating POVs, which adds pace to the narrative. Nevertheless, the premises of the story are partly very flimsy, even for the genre. It starts of course with the twin-likeliness of the two male MC. A very big coincidence (even given the rather unconvincing and unconvinced excuse about the family ties). Also, why the swap? It is of course explained, but the reasoning does not make any sense, at least in light of the goal of obtaining information addressing the mystery. Similarly, the male and female MC are supposed to be mirrored opposites, which is kind of a bit too “on the nose”. The “investigation” parts seem random, and the randomness of the information gathering is even pointed out by the MC (the overhearing of the discussion with the doctor, e.g.; even Lily finds it rather an expected coincidence). Several other plot decisions do not make a lot of sense, but for the sake of the romance and the mystery it is still possible read pass them. And while the villains are a bit overdrawn in their villainous features, the book leaves you waiting for part II.
All in all, the mystery provides a rather rarely visible background to the romances. While Charles and Lily hit it off on both accounts, Henry and Jane seem to play almost no part in the mystery solving in this book. They just simmer for no visible reason in each other’s company. Maybe it changes in part II? So far, with the progress of the “investigation” their roles and the swapping ruse become more questionable.
Light, cozy read for the fans of historical mystery romance genre, who do not look too closely on
the plotting decisions and focus on the “feeling good” of the book. And isn’t it the whole purpose?

I received a free copy of this book provided by netgalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

Not my usual genre but really enjoyed this historical read. I truly had it all romance, adventure, and keeps you on the edge of your seat!